Statewide News Technology

Statewide initiatives announced to increase high-speed internet service in underserved communities

Photo by Dan Nelson on Unsplash

Residents who lack access to broadband or cannot afford a home broadband connection are unable to participate in telehealth, virtual learning, telework, civic engagement and many other activities those who are connected are able to use every day. Today, approximately 1,243,339 Michigan households do not have a permanent fixed broadband connection at home resulting in $1.8B to $2.7B in potential economic benefit left unrealized among disconnected households.

Creating fair and equal access for every Michigander to compete in the 21st century was at the core of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement Oct. 8 at the North American International Cyber Summit, awarding $12.7 million to projects across the state to increase broadband internet access.

“In today’s society, the fastest way to create an even playing field for all is access to high-speed internet,” Whitmer said. “These broadband internet projects, along with additional infrastructure initiatives we are undertaking, will provide underserved communities in Michigan with high-speed internet service. This critical service is no longer a luxury but is a necessity that allows every Michigander to get a quality education and compete in the global economy.”

The broadband projects announced  were selected through the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program. The $12.7 million in awards are estimated to generate between $15.7 and $23.1 million in annual economic benefits to consumers. These projects will extend access to over 10,900 households, businesses, and community anchor institutions (CAI) in Michigan. All projects have committed to closing the internet access divide and provide digital literacy training materials to residents and businesses in their proposed service area and work with local CAIs and foundations to host events to promote e-learning, job and workforce training.

Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of economic recovery efforts statewide. To support that effort, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Connected Nation Michigan (CNMI) to facilitate the Connecting Michigan Taskforce and improve the access, adoption and use of broadband and technology across Michigan by:

  • Coordinating with local, regional, and state agencies as well as the private sector to increase broadband access and adoption in Michigan;
  • Recommending policy changes to improve broadband access and adoption in the state;
  • Identifying funding sources and opportunities to encourage investors to provide affordable broadband access to households and businesses statewide; and
  • Monitoring federal broadband-related activities for policies and funding opportunities that will impact broadband in Michigan.

Recommendations for the second round of CMIC grant awards will be announced this month, providing another $5.3 million towards further infrastructure expansion across the state.

The Oct. 8 announcement builds on the launch of the Connecting Michigan Taskforce (CMIT), with Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II helping to lead the efforts to strengthen and grow broadband infrastructure across Michigan.

For more information about the CMIC Broadband Grants, visit www.michigan.gov/cmicgrant.

For more information on the Connecting Michigan Taskforce visit www.michiganbusiness.org/broadband.

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